ASI Veterans Resource Library

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Connecting Veterans with Knowledge, Opportunity & Community

The American Saudade, Inc. (ASI) Veterans Resource Library is an educational and informational initiative developed as part of the ASI Veterans Maritime Program.

 

Our mission is to connect United States military veterans and their families with valuable resources, organizations, and opportunities that support their continued personal development, well-being, and community involvement.

 

The library brings together trusted federal and state agencies, veterans' organizations, maritime institutions, educational programs, and historical archives. Resources cover veterans' benefits, health and wellness, employment, sailing and seamanship, recreational opportunities, military history, heritage preservation, and volunteer service.

 

Consistent with ASI's inclusive philosophy, the library welcomes veterans of all military branches and generations, regardless of ancestry, disability status, or maritime experience.

 

As ASI continues to develop its Veterans Maritime Program, this library will grow as a reference center, encouraging veterans to explore new interests, strengthen friendships, preserve their experiences, and discover lifelong learning opportunities.

 

Service • Seamanship • Camaraderie • Heritage

ACTA NON VERBA — Deeds, Not Words

 

ASI Veterans Maritime Program — Veterans Resource Library

 

For the ASI Veterans Maritime Program website page, I recommend adding a section titled Veterans Resources, Education & Support.

This resource library can serve veterans of every branch and generation, regardless of disability status, ancestry, or sailing experience. It will complement ASI's maritime mission while connecting veterans with established organizations offering benefits, education, employment assistance, community activities, and other services.​

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1. Sailing, Maritime Education & Recreation​

• US Sailing — National sailing organization offering training resources, certification pathways, safety education, and sailing programs.

• U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary — Recreational boating safety, public education, and opportunities for maritime volunteer service.

• American Sailing — Sailing courses, certification programs, and instructional resources for beginners and experienced sailors.

• Sailors for the Sea — Ocean conservation education and environmental stewardship for the sailing community.

• Navy League of the United States — Maritime education, sea-service advocacy, and community engagement.

• U.S. Maritime Administration (MARAD) — Merchant marine education, maritime workforce information, and U.S. maritime history.

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2. Federal Veterans Benefits & Services

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs — Official federal resource for veterans' benefits, health care, education, disability compensation, and other services.

• VA Health Care — Information about VA health care eligibility, enrollment, and services.

• VA Education Benefits — GI Bill benefits, educational assistance, and training opportunities.

• VA Careers & Employment — Career assistance, vocational programs, and employment resources.

• VA Military Records — Information about obtaining service records and discharge documents.

• Veterans Benefits Administration — Information about federal veterans benefits and assistance.

• VA Vet Centers — Community-based counseling and readjustment services for eligible veterans, service members, and families.

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3. National Veterans Organizations & Community

• The American Legion — Veterans' advocacy, community service, youth programs, and local posts.

• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) — Veterans' advocacy, benefits assistance, community programs, and fellowship.

• Disabled American Veterans (DAV) — Benefits assistance, advocacy, and support for disabled veterans and their families.

• AMVETS — Veterans' advocacy, community programs, and support services.

• Team Red, White & Blue — Veteran community engagement through physical activity and social connections.

• Team Rubicon — Opportunities for veterans and civilian volunteers to participate in disaster response and humanitarian service.

• Military OneSource — Information and support for military families, including transition-related resources.

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4. Rhode Island & New England Veterans Resources

• Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services — State veterans' benefits navigation, assistance with records, referrals, and support services. 

 

Rhode Island Office of Veterans Services

• VA Providence Healthcare System — Regional VA health care and veterans' services.

• Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services — State veterans' programs and assistance.

• Connecticut Department of Veterans Affairs — State veterans' services and information.

• Sail Newport — Rhode Island sailing instruction, recreation, and community sailing activities.

• Herreshoff Marine Museum — Maritime heritage, yacht design, and sailing history in Bristol, Rhode Island.

• USS Constitution Museum — Naval history and educational resources in Charlestown, Massachusetts.

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Rhode Island -Office of Veterans Services

5. Education, Employment & Career Development

• U.S. Department of Labor — Veterans' Employment and Training Service — Employment resources and protections for veterans.

• VA Careers and Employment — Career counseling, training, and employment assistance.

• GI Bill & VA Education Benefits — Education and training benefits.

• SBA Veteran-Owned Businesses — Entrepreneurship assistance and business development resources.

• Student Veterans of America — Higher education support and campus veteran communities.

• Hiring Our Heroes — Career development, employer connections, and employment programs.

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6. Military History, Records & Heritage Preservation

• National Archives — Veterans' Service Records — Official military service records and historical documentation.

• Library of Congress — Veterans History Project — Preserving firsthand accounts of U.S. military veterans.

• Naval History and Heritage Command — U.S. Navy history, archival resources, photographs, and publications.

• The National WWII Museum — Military history, oral histories, educational programs, and archival collections.

• U.S. Naval Undersea Museum — Submarine warfare, naval diving, and undersea technology.

• American Merchant Marine Museum — Merchant marine history and educational resources.

• National Park Service — Historic military sites, battlefields, monuments, and national heritage resources.

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7. Health, Wellness & Family Support

• VA Health Care — Health care eligibility, enrollment, and services.

• VA Mental Health Services — Mental health information and access to VA care.

• VA Vet Centers — Counseling and readjustment services for eligible veterans and families.

• Veterans Crisis Line — Confidential crisis support for veterans, service members, and those concerned about them.

• Wounded Warrior Project — Programs and services for eligible wounded veterans.

• Fisher House Foundation — Lodging assistance for eligible military and veteran families receiving medical care.

• Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) — Support for families grieving a military or veteran loss.

For immediate crisis assistance in the United States, veterans can call 988 and press 1, or text 838255. 

 

Veterans Affairs

8. Additional Maritime & Veterans Service Organizations

• United States Navy Memorial — Honoring naval service through remembrance, education, and historical preservation.

• U.S. Naval Institute — Independent naval and maritime research, publications, and professional discussion.

• USS Nautilus & Submarine Force Museum — Submarine history and educational exhibits in Groton, Connecticut.

• U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps — Youth leadership and maritime education, with potential opportunities for veteran mentorship.

• Military.com — Military and veterans' news, benefits information, career resources, and community information.